Apparently there are some older more conservative members of the selection committees that feel a woman should wear a skirt... Don't shoot the messenger, I am just passing that tidbit along. I once heard about a Harvard grad who was rejected from a surgical residency because he had "the wrong color of socks" at his interview and the interviewer said "if he displays such poor judgment with his clothing decisions, how can we trust his judgment as a surgeon?"

2+ Year Member

I bought something like #3. I'm pretty short, so I look more normal in a skirt. Then get a blouse for underneath and some short heels or flats. If something doesn't fit that well, get it tailored. As long as everything looks like it fits you, you're golden.

I check SDN twice a year. Don't ask me anything urgent

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I agree about getting a suit that is well tailored. I realize that form fitting pants have been the norm for most of us, but they look horrible for interviews. Places like Macy's and Nordstrom have on-site tailors so that might be a good place to start. Just make sure whatever you get is comfortable. Get a couple different blouses/shells so if you go to Florida and Minnesota, for example, you have a choice based on the weather. I have a couple no-iron shirts that are really wonderful for travel. Minimal jewelry. The skirt is more "professional" but I am not a skirt/dress person so I'll probably wear pants. I'm not applying to Harvard so I should be good there. Someone else posted a tip about shoes, bring a second pair for walking across campus or get one really comfortable pair with a wider heal, not more than 2" I would say, that you can wear all day long.

2+ Year Member

Is it okay to wear a pop of color? Nothing over the top of course, but I've been working in business offices for a few years and got tired of the black/white thing. I have colored blazers/jackets and tops that I love wearing to the office, but is it better to just play it safe with looks from the above pictures?

2+ Year Member

Is it okay to wear a pop of color? Nothing over the top of course, but I've been working in business offices for a few years and got tired of the black/white thing. I have colored blazers/jackets and tops that I love wearing to the office, but is it better to just play it safe with looks from the above pictures?

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Ya if it's tasteful and looks good with your skin color, I cannot see why not. My blouse is blue. Maybe don't go with like lime green, but I'm sure you'd be fine with a colored top. I think I'd play it safe with blazer color though.

I check SDN twice a year. Don't ask me anything urgent

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2+ Year Member

Ya if it's tasteful and looks good with your skin color, I cannot see why not. My blouse is blue. Maybe don't go with like lime green, but I'm sure you'd be fine with a colored top. I think I'd play it safe with blazer color though.

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Whaaaat? I was thinking neon orange all over! Back to the dressing room ....

2+ Year Member

What about hair style? I have a mid-long hair so I don't know what I am gonna do with it on interview day lol..

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Anything that looks clean and keeps it out of your eyes/face, a clean bun or a pony tail, clipped half up/half down, etc. The last thing you want is to have it falling while you're interviewing and then to keep having to pull it back up or away from your face. It'll seem like a nervous quirk and might be a little distracting too.

2+ Year Member

What about hair style? I have a mid-long hair so I don't know what I am gonna do with it on interview day lol..

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I think going with a hairstyle that pulls your hair away from your face is a smart idea. It's important to make a good impression and having to constantly move your hair out of the way during the interview will just be distracting, for you and the interviewers.

2+ Year Member

Along the same lines, I have a small nose stud. Do you guys think I should take it out? If I take it out its very obvious there should be something there.

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Try some dried toothpaste and foundation to cover up the hole. They say it works for pushpin holes in walls.

In all seriousness though, I'd probably take it out. It might seem obvious to you that something should be there but that's because every time you look in the mirror, you're used to seeing it there. It feels the same way when I take out my piercings but nobody else ever seems to really notice or care. It's probably better to be conservative in this case. I see it like this, there's a 50% chance the ADCOMs won't care and a 50% chance they'll see it as unprofessional. But if you take it out, there's a 100% chance you won't be judged for it at all. So why opt for the 50% risk?

FYI, I personally have nothing against piercings and don't believe they in any way are a judge of your capacity to work in health care. But you never know what someone else is thinking.

Try some dried toothpaste and foundation to cover up the hole. They say it works for pushpin holes in walls.

In all seriousness though, I'd probably take it out. It might seem obvious to you that something should be there but that's because every time you look in the mirror, you're used to seeing it there. It feels the same way when I take out my piercings but nobody else ever seems to really notice or care. It's probably better to be conservative in this case. I see it like this, there's a 50% chance the ADCOMs won't care and a 50% chance they'll see it as unprofessional. But if you take it out, there's a 100% chance you won't be judged for it at all. So why opt for the 50% risk?

FYI, I personally have nothing against piercings and don't believe they in any way are a judge of your capacity to work in health care. But you never know what someone else is thinking.

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When I say it's obvious something should be there, it's because when I take it out its a bright red spot. I'm going to take out extra earrings because they don't look like anything when they're out. Now I'm conflicted though... I'm debating just letting it grow over but that would be a bummer.

2+ Year Member

When I say it's obvious something should be there, it's because when I take it out its a bright red spot. I'm going to take out extra earrings because they don't look like anything when they're out. Now I'm conflicted though... I'm debating just letting it grow over but that would be a bummer.

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they have flat clear piercing plugs I would use that and foundation. You won't be able to notice it. I have a hoop and forgot to take it out yesterday for an interview to shadow...oops!

I have similar pencil skirt like this one with a bit smaller split.
Do you think it is okay to wear?

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That should be fine if the slit is in the back. I wouldn't wear one with the opening in the front like that since you will be sitting for at least part of your interview.

Thinking more about the nose stud---now might be a good time to just lose the stud totally, let the hole close up. You are exiting college world and entering professional world and it's just no longer something you should have. No, I'm sure none of your friends care, but your patients might and is it worth losing patients over?

2+ Year Member

That should be fine if the slit is in the back. I wouldn't wear one with the opening in the front like that since you will be sitting for at least part of your interview.

Thinking more about the nose stud---now might be a good time to just lose the stud totally, let the hole close up. You are exiting college world and entering professional world and it's just no longer something you should have. No, I'm sure none of your friends care, but your patients might and is it worth losing patients over?

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Actually I agree with the slit being in the front, don't do it

University of Kentucky - Class of 2020!

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Something like this is fine though http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen...ategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=400 http://data:image/jpeg;base64,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

Also, is going with no makeup unprofessional? My skin is very very sensitive so I don't really wear much if any?

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Shoes, depends on the weather I think and when your interview is. If you have open toes, no stockings . I would wear at least a small heal, 1/2" at least but depends on what you are wearing. Ballet flats I would not wear. Make-up, if you don't wear it, I wouldn't bother. Just make sure you are neatly groomed otherwise.

2+ Year Member

Also, is going with no makeup unprofessional? My skin is very very sensitive so I don't really wear much if any?

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Flats are probably better if you have pants.
As for makeup, I think it's totally fine to not have any if that's how you're comfortable! I would say make sure you look presentable (if you have a giant nasty distracting pimple, maybe try to cover it)

I check SDN twice a year. Don't ask me anything urgent

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Thinking more about the nose stud---now might be a good time to just lose the stud totally, let the hole close up. You are exiting college world and entering professional world and it's just no longer something you should have. No, I'm sure none of your friends care, but your patients might and is it worth losing patients over?

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Harsh, but I really appreciate it. I think I'll suck it up and take it out.

For the shoes, I'd say no ballet flats, but flat dress shoes are acceptable.

5+ Year Member

When I interviewed, I wore a dark grey ladies suit, with a skirt as a bottom. I had a dark purple blouse to go with it. It was a capped sleeve, so if I got too hot I could take off the suit jacket. Don't go sleeveless if you think you may want to take the jacket off.

I carried a simple leather bag and had two pairs of shoes. Dress flats for the tour and heels for the interview portion.

Class of 2018
​

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2+ Year Member

Hey y'all. I'm coming from a speech & debate background, where I had to wear competitive suits for like...7 years.

General guidelines:
1. Skirt or pants, doesn't matter. As long as they fit you well and look professional. Nothing more than 2" above the knee. I'm tall, so I say 2". But 1" might be safer.
2. Wear pantyhose. Most of the interviewers are older, and bare legs aren't really professional.
2b. No open toes. Because you're wearing hose, right? Good.
3. Natural makeup, unless you don't normally wear makeup. Wear what you're comfortable in, but nothing too much or too loud. They want your brain, not your lipstick.
4. Second pair of shoes is a good thing. Professional flats (not the $15 ballet flats at Target) that can stay nice while in your bag. Don't switch between the two in public. Don't let them see your other pair. No one wants to look at stinky shoes in your bag.
5. Bags are simple and professional. Prefferably something that can stand on its own (Longchamps are probably a no.) Black is always good, or a nice brown leather. Again, simple.
6. Heels shouldn't be too flashy. Browns, Blacks, Greys, maybe nudes if you're wearing a light colored suit. You're wearing hose.
7. Make sure your suit jacket isn't too tight when you sit. You're standing in the dressing room, but sitting for the most important parts of your interview day. If it's a suit set, keep it buttoned. If it's separates, ladies can keep it buttoned or not. Gents, you best unbutton that. #sometimesalwaysnever
8. Take your ponytail holders off of your wrists.
9. Nails are simple, groomed, professional. Light or french or bare. You're wearing gloves for 90% of your life.
10. Hail should be out of your face and clean. Keep extra bobbypins and hairspray available.
11. You know how on pinterest they have those bridal survival kits? Needle/thread, bandaids, safety pins, tampons, aspirin, deodorant, etc? Not a bad idea.
12. Brush your teeth. But you were doing that all ready, right? Right before you put on your hose.

2+ Year Member

Hey y'all. I'm coming from a speech & debate background, where I had to wear competitive suits for like...7 years.

General guidelines:
1. Skirt or pants, doesn't matter. As long as they fit you well and look professional. Nothing more than 2" above the knee. I'm tall, so I say 2". But 1" might be safer.
2. Wear pantyhose. Most of the interviewers are older, and bare legs aren't really professional.
2b. No open toes. Because you're wearing hose, right? Good.
3. Natural makeup, unless you don't normally wear makeup. Wear what you're comfortable in, but nothing too much or too loud. They want your brain, not your lipstick.
4. Second pair of shoes is a good thing. Professional flats (not the $15 ballet flats at Target) that can stay nice while in your bag. Don't switch between the two in public. Don't let them see your other pair. No one wants to look at stinky shoes in your bag.
5. Bags are simple and professional. Prefferably something that can stand on its own (Longchamps are probably a no.) Black is always good, or a nice brown leather. Again, simple.
6. Heels shouldn't be too flashy. Browns, Blacks, Greys, maybe nudes if you're wearing a light colored suit. You're wearing hose.
7. Make sure your suit jacket isn't too tight when you sit. You're standing in the dressing room, but sitting for the most important parts of your interview day. If it's a suit set, keep it buttoned. If it's separates, ladies can keep it buttoned or not. Gents, you best unbutton that. #sometimesalwaysnever
8. Take your ponytail holders off of your wrists.
9. Nails are simple, groomed, professional. Light or french or bare. You're wearing gloves for 90% of your life.
10. Hail should be out of your face and clean. Keep extra bobbypins and hairspray available.
11. You know how on pinterest they have those bridal survival kits? Needle/thread, bandaids, safety pins, tampons, aspirin, deodorant, etc? Not a bad idea.
12. Brush your teeth. But you were doing that all ready, right? Right before you put on your hose.

Is it okay to wear a pop of color? Nothing over the top of course, but I've been working in business offices for a few years and got tired of the black/white thing. I have colored blazers/jackets and tops that I love wearing to the office, but is it better to just play it safe with looks from the above pictures?

Is it okay to wear a pop of color? Nothing over the top of course, but I've been working in business offices for a few years and got tired of the black/white thing. I have colored blazers/jackets and tops that I love wearing to the office, but is it better to just play it safe with looks from the above pictures?

2+ Year Member

Lies, I totally got in looking like that. No hose in the winter because I got a ginormous tear on the way there (fail!), high heels, black blazer, fitted black 2-3" above the knee skirt, silk sleeveless blouse, pearls, big soft waves news anchor hair (mine's lower back length when straight), minimal makeup beyond SPF moisturizer, lip balm, and groomed eyebrows. I echo @CleverThought, do the heels/flats switch. Make sure you shave your legs in case you have a hose malfunction. Beware of lipstick unless you're confident/have a mirror on your person. I didn't bother because I KNOW I will get it on my teeth at some point. Closed toed shoes, make the switch in the bathroom before the walking tour.

Tip: If you are roughly the size of a large 10 year old and live near a wealthy area, check out the rich people consignment shops. I got mad mitzvah designer heels/flats previously owned by 13 year olds who wore them once or twice and inevitably outgrew them.

2+ Year Member

Emphasis on the "or two" portion there. Seriously, I had 3 pairs and that was my last one as I wrecked one on the plane, one that morning, and then that one. Pants would have been easier but that would break my ~10 year streak of pantslessness.